Monday, October 19, 2009

Halloween decor an easy transition into fall - The Detroit News

As the leaves begin to change to brighter hues, it's your cue to follow suit inside your home. Combine your favorite Halloween finds with some fall-themed accents to stretch your decor through the end of November.

Theresa Schierloh, owner of Dancing Eye Gallery in Northville, says Halloween has become one of the most popular holidays of the year for decorating.

"People go all out in this historic neighborhood," she says. "It's like Mardi Gras. It's crazy."

Though she says most of her customers buy Halloween-themed items for themselves, the store's signature tiles, made by local artists, make the perfect hostess gift for anyone having a Halloween party.

"Halloween segues into Thanksgiving and fall decorating in general," Schierloh says. So, while an orange tile with a pumpkin motif may be in sync with October, the same theme in off-white or brown will last through the end of autumn.

"People who like cats tend to like the cat theme for Halloween," Schierloh says.

Beaded tile stands or easels make it easy to transition from one holiday to the next, while twig stands add texture along with a nod to nature.

For the quintessential centerpiece, a ceramic vase by a local artist looks like a carved pumpkin. Featuring a lovely leaf motif made from Michigan leaves, the quirky container can be filled with flowers or Halloween candy.

Schierloh also carries Pashminas and ponchos in ochre, orange and black that do double-duty as table coverings or throws. Sometimes all it takes is a splash of color to convey a seasonal theme. Leaf trays, typically used as ring dishes, become candle holders for the occasion.

Terra-cotta pottery, which is often associated with summer, has been a popular choice lately, Schierloh says.

"Now people are thinking of it more in terms of fall colors," she says.

This is the season to engage the senses.

"People really notice scents during this time of year," Schierloh says. A fall-inspired candle is a rich addition to your seasonal decor.

Other original offerings include a decoupaged box shaped like a coffin and a decorative purse covered in vintage Halloween cards. The purse can be used for display purposes or as a grown-up goody bag for trick or treating. Bracelets and pins by the same local artist can be incorporated into your decor. The $5 pins make great napkin holders and party favors for your guests, while the $10 bracelets can hang from branches alongside orange star ornaments. For those throwing a Halloween bash, bone chillers are little ice cube trays that allow you to make ice shaped like skulls and crossbones.

So, what is it about Halloween and fall decor that's so appealing?

"The weather forces us to be indoors," Schierloh says. "Since we're spending more time inside, we want to change it up, make it fresh."

Lastly, she says, "We're burning candles, making our rooms look nice and smell nice, and we kind of want to bring the outside in."

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The Dancing Eye Gallery has been in business since July, 1995 in downtown Northville. Owner, Theresa Schierloh, says: "We are a gift shop proud to showcase the many talents of local artists." The Dancing Eye Gallery specializes in handmade tile but features unique jewelry, greeting cards and other unusual gift items.

Custom Ceramics

Click on the photos below to see larger view. Next, call us at 248-449-7086 to place your order. The piece you will receive is handmade and unique. Allowances must me made for shading and glaze differences. Turnaround time is 3-4 weeks.
Cross -- $48.
Baby Trio -- $48.
Framed Occasional Cake -- $98.